Wednesday, May 16, 2012

a little time

Ideally, TTL aims to have children in the safe-home for an
average of 3-months, hoping this is enough time for them to recover and return to their families.
Obviously some children face challenges or difficult home situations that
require a longer stay in the safe-home. But when a child can successfully return home
within three months it’s a double success. If a child can be reunited, it means
they’re out of the danger zone. It’s time for the family to resume care with
the important added support of TTL’s Outreach workers. It’s this model that supports
long-term health for vulnerable children.

Last Friday, one of TTL’s safe-home babies was able to
return home. Ntsoareleng spent two months in the safe-home recovering from
severe malnutrition. She is a real sweet heart and I already miss her smiling
face.

When Ntsoareleng first arrived at TTL it was hard to get her
to finish a meal. Give her a piece of bread and she would take a few bites and
try to hide the rest. Even children understand food insecurity. When you’re not
sure when you’re next meal will come, it makes sense to try to make it last.
Luckily within a week, Ntsoareleng started to trust that five meals would
consistently come every day.

She soon recovered her strength and started walking again.
It’s thrilling watching a child walk after a period of weakness and
immobility. Unlike toddlers taking their first steps, there’s no hesitation.
Once they feel like they can manage weight on their legs again, they’re off and
running.

Captured in photographs her two-month recovery is incredible. In
reality, it’s the result of some food, a lot of love, and a little time.